It’s quite evident that the Dallas Cowboys defense wasn’t the reason for the 19-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, just as clear as it is how well Dan Quinn has done at coordinating a unit that hasn’t been whole at any point during the 2021 season.
That will start the 21-day practice window on Lawrence, and the Cowboys will either have to activate him to the 53-man roster by the 21st day or revert him back to IR, but sources tell CBS Sports that barring a setback of some sort, he’s on track to potentially suit up in Week 13 — when the Cowboys visit the Saints in New Orleans.
It’s possible he’ll be joined by Randy Gregory, who suffered a calf strain in the Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos that wasn’t deemed severe by the team, but severe enough to land him on IR after an MRI was done.
They’ll have to wait a little longer for backup defensive lineman Brent Urban and starting defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, the two currently recovering on IR from a triceps and elbow injury, respectively, and “have a little more work to do,” as described on Monday by head coach Mike McCarthy.
It’s an exciting time for a defensive unit that’s top-10 to be on the verge of seeing their best two defensive ends return to the field, and knowing that might only help rookie sensation Micah Parsons — who has eight sacks himself through the first 10 games — reach another level as the Cowboys begin to approach the postseason.
“I think only going to show up more as we get Randy Gregory back and DeMarcus Lawrence back, which hopefully is right around the corner,” Jones told 105.3FM the Fan on Monday.